National Stationery Week | Getting Organised with Phoenix Trading*

Anyone who knows me, knows I adore stationery of all kinds. Although my iPhone is attached to my hand at all times and has its place for organisation, I love writing things down- predominantly lists- and there’s nothing quite like a good notepad to jot down my to-do list on. It helps me clear my head of all the clutter that my daily tasks tend to create, and when I can physically cross things off my list it gives me a real sense of achievement. As it’s National Stationery Week, Phoenix Trading offered to send me a selection of their products to try out, and when I saw that their range included some beautiful organisers and jotter pads, I jumped at the chance because I might have a teensy-weensy stationery addiction and I’m always happy to add to my collection.

Illustrated stationery is my absolute favourite kind- I love collecting completely different and varied designs and styles and, as an illustrator myself, they’re great for inspiration! All of the Phoenix Trading designs are unique to their brand, and they only work with incredibly talented illustrators and designers to produce their products. There’s a few different styles of illustration in the above pieces- my two favourites being the Sausage Dog Jotter Pad and the Just a Little Note Notecards. They’re in a cute and contemporary style which is my favourite type of illustration, although the more detailed watercolour illustrations on the other pieces are gorgeous too, of course.

I’ve always loved the list pads that Paperchase sell, and used to use them all the time for shopping lists and university to-do lists. I haven’t used one in a while, and of course I am absolutely obsessed with dogs, so as soon as I saw the Sausage Dog one, I knew I had to have it! This will be on my desk and ready to be filled with my constant to-do lists at work or in the house (or if I ever get my arse back in gear and start planning blog content again!).

I have never used a weekly planner pad before, but I’ve always admired them in stationery shops whenever I see them. I never thought I’d have a use for one because they’re quite big and I don’t always write lists at my desk at work, so I wouldn’t be able to refer back to it all the time. However, I’m going to try the Tall House Weekly Planner out for a while and see what I think, because it’s so pretty and pastel it will sit very nicely on my desk. It’s got sections for everything you would need for your weekly organisation- a to-do list, shopping list, birthdays, an urgent section, a doodle of the week section (I’ll definitely be making use of this- such a good idea!) and a phone doodle section, as well as a ‘must ring’ area to write in too! I just hope my weeks can be busy enough to fill the page- I hate being quiet at work and in life in general.

Notecards are one of those things that I always think I need, but never get round to buying. The cupcake and typewriter designs are right up my street, and I didn’t realise at the time that they’re just simple postcard-style notecards rather than the folded card style I’d usually use to write thank-you’s, etc. I really like that you write on the same side as the design and they’re ideal for writing cute notes for friends or family, even if it’s just to let them know you’re thinking of them! Whenever we take my grandma out to the theatre or somewhere special, we always write her a little card to tell her about it, so these will definitely come in handy in the future (they come with envelopes too!)

Finally, can we just appreciate how reasonably priced these products are? I honestly think they are really good value, considering the quality (which is pretty decent FYI) and although it might sound like I’m gushing on just because I was very kindly sent these products, this is genuinely how excited and passionate I get about stationery (anyone who has visited a stationery shop with me will know this all too well). I love the fact that Phoenix Trading are an independent company that support really talented illustrators and give their work a high quality platform that is so unique, when you usually see the same stationery designs again and again on the high street.